Milano-Torino Cocktail: A Timeless Classic Italian Drink

Milano Torino Cocktail represents the origin point for several iconic modern cocktails, most notably the Americano and Negroni. Learn the history and how you can prepare it.

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The Milano Torino cocktail, also known as the Mi-To (or MiTo), is a classic Italian cocktail enjoyed by many around the world. It is a simple yet sophisticated drink that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth creates a unique and complex flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.

The History of the Milano Torino Cocktail

How was the famous MiTo drink born?

The history of the Milan-Turin route began in 1786 when Antonio Benedetto Carpano, in his shop under the arcades of Piazza Castello in Turin, successfully developed the perfect formula for his vermouth by blending herbal infusions with white wine.

An interesting anecdote tells the story of the name of this alcoholic beverage: originally, vermouth was not referred to by this name, but instead as “Punt e Mes.” A stockbroker unintentionally coined this term while discussing shares with colleagues and ordering Carpano’s standard vermouth with half the dose of cinchona, using the local dialect expression.

From that day forward, customers at the restaurant would order the “Punt and Mes” with a gesture of their fingers: raising their thumb upwards to indicate the “point” and then drawing a horizontal line in the air referring to the “Mes.”

In Milan, Gaspare Campari went to Piedmont to learn the best techniques for distilling liqueurs and in 1860 he created, together with his son, his new bitter aperitif intended to rival vermouth: Bitter Campari, a blend of 60 ingredients which he launched at his bar “Il Camparino” in the Galleria in Milan.

Vermouth and Campari became the most popular spirits across the nation and from their combination arose the symbolic cocktail of Young Italy: the MiTo. Milan and Turin blend in a glass, creating the perfect balance: thus the sweetness of the vermouth balances the bitter notes of the Campari, and the orange segment provides the finishing touch.

The Milano Torino cocktail gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s, especially among the elite social circles in Italy. It was also a popular drink among American expatriates living in Italy during the Prohibition era. The cocktail’s popularity continued to spread throughout Europe and eventually made its way to the United States.

Just like all classics, people have made several modifications to the MiTo over the years, but it has always remained in fashion.

How to Make Mi-To Cocktail

Traditionally, you can prepare the Milano Torino cocktail by combining equal parts of Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass chilled with ice. These two ingredients are the backbone of the cocktail and provide its signature bitter and sweet flavors.

Ingredients Milano Torino Cocktail

• 4 cl | 1 1/3 oz Campari
• 4 cl | 1 1/3 oz Vermouth red
• Ice
• 1 orange wedge

Campari, a bright red, bitter liqueur, contains a blend of herbs and spices like bitter orange, rhubarb, and cinchona. Its unique bitter taste harmonizes with the sweetness of vermouth.

Italian vermouth, or sweet vermouth, is a fortified wine infused with herbs and spices, sweetened with caramelized sugar. It offers a rich, intricate flavor that enhances the bitterness of Campari.

Glass

Rock glass, old fashioned glass.

MiTo Cocktail Instructions

To prepare the cocktail, first place the glass in the freezer to chill. Once chilled, add Campari and Vermouth to the glass. Add ice and gently stir to further cool the cocktail. Include an orange slice to enhance the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of the vermouth. Serve immediately.

Milano Torino Cocktail Variations

There are also variations of the Milano Torino cocktail that use different types of vermouth. For example, some bartenders use dry vermouth instead of sweet vermouth, which results in a cocktail that is less sweet and more herbaceous. Other bartenders use a combination of sweet and dry vermouth, which can create a more complex and nuanced flavor profile.

Another variation of the Milano Torino cocktail is the Americano. This cocktail is made with Campari, sweet vermouth, and soda water. It is typically served over ice with a slice of orange. The Americano is similar to the Milano Torino cocktail, but the addition of soda water makes it a lighter and more refreshing drink.